Beethoven, Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125, "Choral"

TO JOY

O friends, no more these sounds!
Let us sing more cheerful songs,
more full of joy!

Joy, bright spark of divinity,

Daughter of Elysium,

Fire-inspired we tread

Thy sanctuary.

Thy magic power re-unites

All that custom has divided,

All men become brothers

Under the sway of thy gentle wings.

Whoever has created

An abiding friendship,

Or has won a true and loving wife,

Join in our song of praise,

Yes, all who can call at least one soul

Theirs upon this earth;

But any who cannot must creep tearfully

Away from our circle.

All creatures drink of joy

At nature's breast.

Just and unjust

Alike taste of her gift;

She gave us kisses and the fruit of the vine,

A tried friend to the end.

Even the worm can feel contentment,

And the cherub stands before God!

Gladly,

As His heavenly bodies fly

On their courses through the heavens,

Thus, brothers, you should run your race,

As a hero going to conquest.

You millions, I embrace you.

This kiss is for all the world!

Brothers, above the starry canopy

There must dwell a loving Father.

Do you fall in worship, you millions?

World, do you know your creator?

Seek him in the heavens;

Above the stars must He dwell.

Friedrich Schiller

From 1948, Arturo Toscanini conducts Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125, "Choral," with the NBC Symphony Orchestra ...